What Does -4.5 Spread Mean in NFL Betting?

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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

BetMGM @BETMGM Oct 15, 2024, 4:42 PM

If a team is -4.5 in BetMGM’s NFL spreads, they’re favored by four and a half points. Their opponent, the underdog, would be +4.5.

To cover the spread (-4.5), the favorite must win by five or more points.

To cover the spread (+4.5), the underdog must lose by four or less points, win the game, or tie (after overtime).

Overtime is included in the final score that determines if the team covers the spread.

Example of -4.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Houston Texans (-4.5, -110) at Los Angeles Chargers (+4.5, -110)

The Texans are the road favorite (-4.5), and the Chargers are the home underdog (+4.5).

If Houston wins by at least five points, they cover the spread. If Los Angeles loses by four or less, wins, or ties, they cover instead.

Here are some score examples:

Texans 20, Chargers 15: The Texans win by five points and cover the spread.

Texans 31, Chargers 27: The Texans win by four points and don’t cover.

Texans 21, Chargers 21 (OT): The Texans tie and don’t cover.

Chargers 28, Texans 23: The Chargers win by five points and cover.

Chargers 34, Texans 34 (OT): The Chargers tie and cover.

Texans 17, Chargers 13: The Chargers lose by four points and cover.

Texans 20, Chargers 14: The Chargers lose by six points and don’t cover.

Payout for -4.5 Spread in NFL Betting

Houston Texans (-4.5, -110) at Los Angeles Chargers (+4.5, -110)

The odds accompanying the spread determine the payout. In this Texans-Chargers example, the odds for each spread (-4.5 and +4.5) are -110. The odds can vary for games; they could be +100, -105, -110, -115 or another value.

To calculate the potential payout, add a spread bet to your BetMGM Bet Slip.

With -110 odds, a winning bet with a $25 stake would return $38.18 (including stake).

At -105 odds, a winning bet with a $25 stake would return $39.05 (including stake).

If a spread bet pushes, the stake is refunded.

Parlays and sportsbook Odds Boosts are among the ways to change odds and lock in a bigger potential payout.

To build a parlay, add multiple bets to your Bet Slip and add a stake to the Parlays section.

To get an Odds Boost, check updated sportsbook promos or log in to your BetMGM account. If you don’t have an account, check your eligibility for a welcome offer or BetMGM Refer A Friend bonus.